Jean-Luc Marion: A Theo-Logical Introduction Book

In "Kierkegaard: An Introduction," C. Stephen Evans provides an accurate, concise, and readable introduction to Kierkegaard's thought. This is an immense achievement.

Evans is attentive to the different pseudonyms that Kierkegaard uses throughout his authorship, and he does not fall into the novice mistake (unlike far too many so-called "scholars") of conflating the philosophical positions held by the pseudonyms with that of Kierkegaard himself. What is more, Evans centers his readings of important texts such as "Either/Or," "Fear and Trembling," "Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments," and "The Sickness unto Death" on the aims that Kierkegaard clearly sets out in his autobiography "The Point of View" i.e., to bring Christianity back into Christendom and to bring about the growth of the single individual who stands before God through direct and indirect communication.

And yet, Evans is not merely falling into the trap of recapitulating what Kierkegaard himself has already articulated throughout his work. He also thoughtfully considers Kierkegaard's propositions and their existential implications for the modern reader, both for Christians and non-Christians alike. Evans never loses sight of the essentially "religious" mission that Kierkegaard sets out for himself, and yet draws out important psychological insights for those who do not share the presuppositions of Kierkegaard's Christian worldview.

Along with Alastair Hannay's seminal introductions to the Penguin Classics editions of Kierkegaard's texts, Evans' book is important for any reader who is seeking to gain a solid foothold into understanding the Dane, his existential and religious concerns, and his work.